Physical Education

Physical education helps students develop the knowledge, fitness levels, motor skills, and personal and social skills to obtain the ultimate goal of a lifetime of physical activity and health. The Physical Education Department at The English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College is dedicated to providing a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum. We offer students the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and physical activities in a number of roles (performer, coach, official, spectator, choreographer and organiser). A very hard working team of PE teachers and support staff offer these opportunities during curriculum lessons, extra-curricular clubs and trips.

GCSE

Core PE – In Year 10 and 11 students will undertake various activities with a focus on health and fitness with the aim of gaining greater understanding of what is meant by fitness and how healthy living, combined with exercise, can be of benefit.

AQA GCSE PE – Students should only choose this subject if they participate in sport outside of timetabled lessons. At least 50% of the extra time allocated will be spent in a classroom. Students will have an additional five periods of PE per fortnight.

Practical Activities – Assessment will take place in three practical assessments from a specific list of sports. You can only be assessed in the role of performer.

Theory – Topics studied include:

Applied anatomy and physiology

Movement analysis

Sports psychology

Socio-cultural issues

Health and fitness

Commercialisation of physical activity and sport

Use of data

Assessment:

Two written exams – 60%
Practical assessments – 40%.

Sixth Form

AQA A level PE – Candidates will study a range of topics including:

Anatomy and Physiology

Diet and nutrition

Biomechanics

Skill Acquisition

Sport Psychology

Sport and Society

Energy systems

Elite preparation and training

Sports injuries

Assessment

Two written exams worth 70% of the overall grade.
Practical assessment worth 30% of the overall grade.

Candidates will be assessed in their ability to play or coach in a sport of their choice, from the activity list in the specification. This must be within a full version of the game. This assessment will be completed within the first year. In the second year, students may be assessed again if they wish, in order to improve their mark. There is a written element to the practical assessment, and candidates will be required to analyse their weaknesses in attack and defence and tactics.